12/09/2024
Let’s Not Overlook Joseph of Nazareth
I asked my research assistant—a certain ChatGPT—what the most interesting facet of Joseph’s life might be. She shared a couple of things that didn’t make it into Sunday’s sermon but you might still find inspirational.
- Joe was a man of Quiet Faith:
Unlike Mary, Joseph does not speak a single recorded word in the Gospels. His actions—immediate and faithful responses to God’s commands—speak louder than words, highlighting the value of quiet, steadfast faith. - Joe’s Legacy of Influence shouldn’t be underestimated:
Joseph’s role as Jesus' earthly father likely influenced Jesus' human understanding of fatherhood, work, and faithfulness. Jesus' parables often reflect a deep respect for honest labor and familial love, which Joseph likely modeled.
Why This Matters:
Joseph's story is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting God even when circumstances seem incomprehensible. His willingness to set aside his own plans and reputation to follow God’s will makes him a model of humility, courage, and faith in action.
In a time when qualifications for important leadership positions seem to have a lot more to do with financial wealth or how good you look on TV, it’s so reassuring that we have Joseph of Nazareth to look up to. May we all aspire to the virtues that God holds out to us in the earthly father of Jesus. May our actions speak louder than words, may we never overlook the influence we have on those around us, and may each of us hold dear the value of quiet, steadfast faith.
Archived Posts
What just missed the cut for Sunday’s Sermon
Naaman’s servants may actually become one of the hidden gems of the sermon. They say, essentially: “If the prophet had told you to do something difficult, you would have done it.”
One of the Longest Benedictions I Ran Out of Time to Share
Maybe you know the story of how Joseph and Mary accidentally left Jesus at the gas station on their way home from Jerusalem. Well, not the gas station bathroom in Jesus’ case. Joe and Mary are far down the road before they realize Jesus isn’t with them...
So many quips and quotes...
So little time to preach
I wonder what Mary and Martha’s phones might look like:
* Martha = the open browser with 27 tabs
* Mary = the single window that matters
* Psalm 46 = God saying, “Close the tabs.”
Quotable Outtakes That Didn’t Make the Sermon This Week
“When you try to control everything, you don’t just exhaust yourself—you quietly replace trust in God with trust in you.” & more
There is a challenge when it comes to preaching the Word of God.
Preachers are called to open up and interpret the word—inspired and written down thousands of years ago—and make it relevant to a very different world. On top of that there’s a degree of persuasion that goes along with the process.
What Jessica Really Meant to Say in Her Sermon…
When Jessica or Rick or a guest preacher takes the pulpit it’s hard for me to write a One More Thing Blog. I can’t share with you what didn’t make it into the sermon because I have no idea, not having written or delivered it.
Jesus Keeps On Ruining Funerals!
I didn’t have anything this last week that didn’t end up in the sermon. No catchy illustrations that didn’t make the cut. No theological insights that slowed down the main point. No one can ruin a funeral like Jesus. Told as I saw it and that was it. So I did some quick research and I thought I’d share just a reminder of what Easter is all about.